Constitutional revision in Benin: the adopted text does not conform to the one declared admissible…
In Benin, the revision of the Constitution adopted on the eve of November 15, 2025, continues to provoke strong protests.
SUMMARY
A new appeal has just been filed with the Constitutional Court. Its author, opposition MP Habib Woroucoubou, says the text adopted in plenary is not consistent with the one that was declared admissible at the start of the procedure.
A “derailed” process, says the opposition
Speaking to Bip Radio, the representative of the 8ᵉ electoral constituency says that the first draft — the one declared admissible — contained only a single item, namely the creation of the Senate. The later modifications, introduced after that stage, would, in his view, amount to a breach of procedure.
He explains in particular that the version ultimately submitted to MPs includes major elements that did not appear in the initial proposal, including the extension of the term of office of the President of the Republic, deputies and mayors, from five to seven years.
In his own words, « lors de la recevabilité, il n’a été question que de l’institution du Sénat. Après cette étape, d’autres amendements ont été introduits, dont la prolongation des mandats, ce qui ne figurait pas dans la proposition initiale ».
The Constitutional Court called on to arbitrate
The Constitutional Court is now tasked with determining whether an adopted text can depart from the one that was declared admissible. The matter will be examined at a hearing scheduled for Thursday, November 27.
Habib Woroucoubou is not the only one bringing the case before the High Court. Several citizens have also filed petitions challenging the circumstances and the haste with which the fundamental law was amended.
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